Olympic hopeful Tyler Butterfield will continue his quest for a spot in this summer?s Athens Games when he competes in Mazatlan, Mexico in an International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup Race on Sunday.

The event is expected to feature many of the world?s leading triathletes, including Simon Whitfield of Canada, the Olympic gold medallist from Sydney.

After finishing eighth on only six weeks of serious training in the Under-23 Elite category at the World Championships in New Zealand in December, the young Bermudian has been training in Australia.

He recently enjoyed a superb performance at another ITU World Cup Triathlon in Ishigaki, Japan where he went into the run with the leading pack before fading slightly with a 10K time of 36 minutes and 50 seconds (35th) to finish 40th overall.

His finishing time was one hour, 52 minutes and 31 seconds.

Particularly encouraging was Butterfield?s much improved swim time for the 1500 metres of 17:49. The swim has always been regarded as his weakest discipline.

Also, in press releases sent out by the ITU, Butterfield was mentioned for his strong bike ride ? the third fastest of the day of 57.56 over the 40 kilometre route, an effort which helped pull the second pack of riders up to the first pack.

Bermuda Triathlon Association have announced that they will be holding a triathlon course for adult complete beginners, starting in May.

The eight-hour course, which requires no experience in the sport of triathlon but a basic ability to swim and ride a bike, will be run over four Saturdays ? May 1, 8, 15 and 29 ? at Southside in St. Davids from 10.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.

Local coach Dave Morrison, who has over 18 years experience in the sport, and has coached juniors and adults will be running the course.

?Many people have expressed an interest in trying the sport but are intimidated by the thought of doing a swim followed by a bike and then a run and don?t appreciate that the distances they have to cover in beginner triathlons are very manageable even with a minimum of fitness,? noted Morrison.

Details on the course are available from the Bermuda Triathlon Association website at www.bta.bm or from Sportseller and Winners Edge Bike Shop.